Note: Our brand name is Sunset. Throughout this guide, any reference to “Hello Sunset” or “HelloSunset” means Sunset. Existing links to hellosunset.com remain correct.

Introduction

Families often ask whether the MIB Policy Locator can help confirm a loved one’s life insurance. This guide explains precisely what the service searches, its limits, fees and timing, where it cannot be used (California), and how Hello Sunset complements MIB results to turn “possible policy” leads into verified claims and payouts.

What the MIB Policy Locator is (and is not)

MIB’s Policy Locator Service (PLS) checks for life insurance application activity at MIB member companies. It does not confirm whether a policy was ever issued, remained in force, or is payable, and it does not provide beneficiary information. MIB PLS overview; PLS FAQs
Coverage scope: underwritten life insurance applications at approximately 420 U.S./Canadian member carriers, from January 1, 1996 to present. MIB PLS overview

What MIB PLS actually finds

If the search hits, the PLS report typically returns:

Carrier name(s)
Application date(s)
Carrier contact details for follow-up This is “application activity,” not proof of an issued policy or coverage status. PLS FAQs

What MIB PLS misses by design

Quick decision helper: Should you use MIB PLS?

Ask this first: Do you suspect an individually underwritten life insurance policy applied for in 1996 or later?

Yes — likely individually underwritten (examples: broker/agent-led application, paramed exam, face amount typically over $100k, direct-to-carrier individual policy)
Use MIB PLS to get carrier leads ($75; results by mail in ~21 business days).
Then, upload your PLS result to Hello Sunset. We’ll confirm issuance/in‑force status and file the claim end‑to‑end at no cost to your family. Start here: Hello Sunset – Life insurance search
No / Not sure — likely NOT individually underwritten (examples: employer/group coverage, union or association plans, government or military SGLI/VGLI/FEGLI, guaranteed‑issue/burial policies, small face amounts ≤$100k, applications before 1996, or California residency for the decedent or requester)
Skip MIB PLS. Use the NAIC/state policy locators and begin with Hello Sunset to search broadly and file claims for group, government, and guaranteed‑issue benefits. Start here: Hello Sunset – Life insurance search MIB explicitly notes that these categories generally are not covered by PLS searches:
Employer/group life insurance that is not individually underwritten
Guaranteed-issue life insurance
Military-issued life insurance (e.g., SGLI/VGLI)
Lower-face-amount policies (generally $100,000 and below)
Applications prior to Jan 1, 1996
Policies from non-member carriers Sources: MIB PLS overview; PLS FAQs

Eligibility, fee, timing, and submission mechanics

Who can request: Executor/administrator; if none, a surviving spouse or closest surviving relative may qualify. MIB privacy policy – PLS section
Required documents: notarized application, original death certificate, and payment.
Fee: $75 (U.S.), non‑refundable; money order or bank certified check. MIB PLS overview
Turnaround: MIB mails results within 21 business days after receiving a complete application. MIB PLS overview

California restriction

MIB PLS is not available if either (a) the consumer requesting the search is a California resident, or (b) the decedent was a California resident. MIB PLS overview

Free alternatives: NAIC and state policy locators

If PLS isn’t available (e.g., California) or you want broader outreach to insurers, consider the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator, which routes your inquiry to participating carriers at no cost. Timing and responses are insurer‑dependent. See MIB’s compiled directory (includes NAIC link and state programs): State Insurance Department Policy Locators.

MIB vs. NAIC vs. Sunset: scope, cost, and outcomes

Service	Cost	Typical timing	What it searches	What you receive	Key gaps	Best use cases
MIB Policy Locator (PLS)	$75 (non‑refundable)	Results mailed within 21 business days (after complete submission)	Application activity for individually underwritten life insurance at MIB member carriers (1996–present)	Carrier name(s), application date(s), carrier contact info	No confirmation of issuance/in‑force status; no beneficiary info; excludes group/guaranteed‑issue/military, many low‑face policies	You suspect individually underwritten coverage and want concrete leads to specific carriers
NAIC Lost Policy Locator	Free	Insurer‑dependent; no guaranteed timing	Participating insurers receive your inquiry and search for in‑force policies	Insurers may contact you if a policy is found	Participation varies by carrier/state; no centralized status view	Broad outreach across many insurers; useful when carrier is unknown or PLS is unavailable (e.g., California)
Hello Sunset life insurance search and claims support	Free to families	Most insurers verify a policy match 2–3 business days after receiving documents; asset discovery typically starts within 1 day	Multi‑source discovery (documents, data integrations, indirect verification), plus direct claims submission and follow‑up	Verified policy status, assistance filing claims, and end‑to‑end settlement alongside probate and estate banking	Not a government program; relies on executor authorization and documentation	Converting leads into actual claims; handling employer/group, government/military, and complex benefit types end‑to‑end

Sources: MIB PLS overview; PLS FAQs; MIB state locator list; Hello Sunset – Life insurance search; Hello Sunset – How it works

How Hello Sunset acts on MIB leads

When a PLS report identifies carrier(s) and application date(s):

We verify coverage status with the named carrier(s) and collect the policy details (policy number, in‑force status, benefit type, beneficiary requirements).
We prepare and submit claim packets and required proofs, manage insurer communications, and track status until benefits are released.
We coordinate with probate (when needed), set up an FDIC‑insured estate bank account, and route proceeds for distribution to heirs per will/trust or state law. Supporting evidence: Hello Sunset handles insurer outreach and claims, and most insurers verify a policy match 2–3 business days after documents are submitted. We also support employer/group and government/military benefits (SGLI/VGLI/FEGLI). Sources: Life insurance search; How it works.

Practical recommendations

If the decedent or the requestor is in California, skip PLS and use the NAIC locator plus Hello Sunset’s free search and claims support. MIB PLS overview; MIB state locator list
If you suspect an individually underwritten policy (e.g., the decedent applied with a specific carrier), PLS is a good first step; then engage Hello Sunset to confirm issuance and file the claim. MIB PLS overview; Hello Sunset – Life insurance search
If you suspect employer/group or military coverage, go directly to Hello Sunset and use NAIC/state tools; PLS generally won’t cover these. MIB PLS overview

Privacy, authorization, and control

PLS requires specific eligibility and documentation, including an original death certificate and notarized application. MIB PLS overview
With Hello Sunset, the executor remains in control; nothing proceeds without approval. Sunset is SOC 2 Type II certified and details its privacy practices publicly. Sources: How it works; Privacy Policy; Terms of Use

Key takeaways for executors

PLS is a targeted, paid search for application activity—not a policy registry—and is unavailable where California residency is involved.
NAIC/state locators are free and broad but provide insurer‑dependent responses.
Hello Sunset converts leads (from PLS, NAIC, or your records) into confirmed coverage and paid claims, while also handling probate documents and estate banking at no cost to families. Life insurance search; How it works